minimum wire bending radius

[Larry Cunningham]

I'm trying to accurately CAD draw bent 1/8" music wire (e.g. for landing gears) and want to know
the minimum bending radius for it. It appears from photos of wire benders that the pins are
approximately the same diameter as the wire.

Would that be a reasonable assumption? I know I should just dig out and old gear wire and observe
it directly, but I'm still in the hospital, and will likely be here for several more weeks. Meanwhile,
I want to make an accurate drawing.

Thanks kindly,

L.

"No man should escape our universities without knowing how little he knows." -J. Robert Oppenheimer

[Bill Sawyer]

Larry,
   When I had my wire bender made the first one used 1/8 inch diameter hardened rods. This worked well except the rods snapped too often so we modified the rod diameter to 5/32 rods. I get a nice sharp bend with minimal breakage of the hardened rods. I have not measured the actual bends but they seem to be working. I have used the same bender for all my kits. That is over 1000 bends just for Playboy kits. 

[john e. holliday]

My first wire bender was an aluminum unit with 3/16th dia. peices of rod set in holes.   The one I use now is a heavy duty one I picked up at a swap meet.  Has 1/4 inch rods to bend around with a big handle to pull the wire around the shorter rods.  The handle fits over a taller post.  Go to Tower Hobbys and search wire bender.  My heavey bender is similar to the K&S Unit.

[RandySmith]

I'm trying to accurately CAD draw bent 1/8" music wire (e.g. for landing gears) and want to know
the minimum bending radius for it. It appears from photos of wire benders that the pins are
approximately the same diameter as the wire.

Would that be a reasonable assumption? I know I should just dig out and old gear wire and observe
it directly, but I'm still in the hospital, and will likely be here for several more weeks. Meanwhile,
I want to make an accurate drawing.

Thanks kindly,

L.

"No man should escape our universities without knowing how little he knows." -J. Robert Oppenheimer

Hi Larry

With the wire we have now I would suggest using no sharper than 3/16th

Regards
Randy

[Norm Faith Jr.]

Hi Larry

With the wire we have now I would suggest using no sharper than 3/16th

Regards
Randy

I agree...when cold worked...no less the 1.5 times the diameter...However, if the bend is to be located in a critical area, I would "highly recommend" looking at the bend radius with a good magnifying glass and make sure the grain hasn't opened to the point of cracks (stress risers) appearing.

[Bill Little]

Hi Larry,

Go with the advice here, and as My Grand Pappy told me,"Never bend that wire with those linemen's pliers!"  I listened to him..

Now take care of yourself, do what those crazy people in that institution....... er, sorry........ I mean "The Hospital" (yeah! that's right!) say so that they will get you well and get you outta there!  You gotta get back to doing things the Cowboy Way!

May God Bless you and have a Great and Happy New Year!
Bill

[Larry Cunningham]

Thanks for your help, guys. I'm taking your advice.

Best,

L.

"The minute that you're not learning I believe you're dead." -Jack Nicholson